Steering gear



y 5, 1942- R. c. LAMOND STEERING GEAR 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed NOV. 1, 1938 May 5, 1942. R. c. LAMOND STEERING GEAR Filed NOV. 1, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented May 5, 1942 s'rnanmc GEAR Robert C. Lamond, Philadelphia, Pa., assignor to 7 American Engineering Company, Philadelphia, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application November 1, 1938, Serial No. 238,125

21 Claims. '(C l.114150) This invention relates to steering mechanisms for ships, and more particularly to steering mechanisms of the electro-hydraulic type.

Steering of ships is usually effected by manual means located in the bridge or at some other point remote from the operating unit which effects adjustment of the rudde "arious types of mechanisms have been devisedto transmit the motion of the manual means located in the.

bridge to the controls of the steering unit proper. For the purpose of illustration, electrical means are shown herein, although it is apparent that other well knownforms of transmission mechanisms may be employed if desired without departing from the invention. 7 7

As the units increase size the eilfort required' to operate the manualmeans increases.

The present invention contemplates a control mechanism which reduces this effort toa minimum by connecting one of the control units of a two-rudder system for operation by the manual means disposed in the bridge, andby operating the other of said units through a followup mechanism operatively connected to the first unit. Substantially synchronous operation of the two rudders is thus effected through a control system requiring a minimum of physical efiort onlthe part of the operator.

One object of the present invention is to provide a simplified and generally improved steering mechanism which may be controlled from any one of a plurality of stations with a minimum of physical effort.

Another object is to provide a two-rudder steering device, each rudder being operated by motor means which in turn may be actuated by one or more pumping units, the controls for the pumping units and motor means being so constructed that the operation of either one of said motor means controls the operation of the other.

A further object is provided in a multi-rudder steering mechanism, a control system which insures synchronous operation of the various rudders thereof.

A more specific object is to provide in a steering mechanism of the two-rudder type, one or more pumping units for each of-the rudder ad- Justing motors, and a plurality of followup devices actuated by said motors and operatively connected to the controls of the associated pumping units, whereby the operation of either of said motors causes simultaneous operation of the other.

Other and further objects will become apparent as the description of the invention progresses. Of the drawings: I

Fig. l is a plan view of the steering mechanism comprising the present invention, certain of the elements being shown in section, and others 7 broken away to more clearly illustrate certain'of the operating parts thereof.

Fig. 2 is a partly diagrammatic plan view showing the electric control system for the steering mechanisms and one of the pumping units and the control mechanism'therefor, certain of the elements of the control mechanism "being shownin section, and others with parts'broken tion with starboard unit 2, and also comprises 7 away to show the structure thereof.

Fig. 3 is a sectional elevational view of the differential gearing associated with the control mechanism for one of the pumping units and the operating means therefor. t Fig. 4- is a sectional Viewtaken substantially along line 44 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the clutch mechanism associated with one of the pumpingunits for controlling the operationthereof.

'Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the changeover valve mechanism associated with the'port unit. Fig. 'l is a similar view of the changeover valve associated 'with the-starboard unit.

Fig.8 is a plan view partly in section of the fluid motor mechanism for actuating the controls of one of the pumping units to neutral position under predetermined conditions, and

Fig. 9 is a plan view of an alternative control mechanism for the pumping units, certain parts being broken away to show more clearly the structure of certain of the elements thereof.

Referring to the drawings, the numeral I designates generally the entire steering mechanism consisting of a starboard unit 2 and a port unit 3. Starboard unit 2 comprises a fluid motor M which is adapted to be operated by pumping unit PI= or P2. Port unit 3 is identical in construcinders 6 and I, while the latter operates in a pair of similarly spaced cylinders8 and 9. Rams 4 and -5 are provided with flattened portions I0 tended slot I3 provided near one end of a crosshead I4 to which a i rudder post I5 is secured.

Extending upwardly from flattened surface I I is' :end of cylinders 39 and 48. valve elements 4| and 42 close ports 35 and 3| respectively, thereby preventing fluid to flow to a similar projection 16 which engages in an extended slot I! provided near the other end of crosshead l4. Secured to the lower end of rudderpost I is the usual rudder |8 shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1. c j

As shown more particularly in Figs. 1,' 6' and 7, the outer ends of cylinders 6 and I are connected to ports l9 and28 of changeover valves 2| and 22 respectively by pipes 23 and 24. The" outer ends ofcylinders 8 and Sare respectively con nected' to the ports 25 and of valves 22 and 2| by pipes 21 and 28. The pumps 29 and 30 of pumping units PI and P2 respectively, are connectedto the ports 3| and 32 of valve 22 by pipes 33 and 34. Pumps 29 and 30 are-also connected to the end of cylinder 'l, through port and pipe ,24. Fluid also enters the end of cylinder 8 7 through port and pipe 21. The fluid in cylinders 6 and 9 now flows to valve 2| through pipes 23 and 28 and is then returned to the pump through pipe 38. When this occurs crosshead l4, and consequentlyrudder I8 is moved' in a counter-clockwise direction. In the event that pump 30' is now soadjusted as to deliver fluid pressureto pipe 38 and's'uction to 'pipe 34, fluid from pipe 38' enters valve 2| through port 38.

' -.The fluid so entering valve 2| is then conducted to theports and 36 ofvalve 2| by pipes 31" and 38. Valves 2| and 22 comprise cylindrical casings 39 and respectively, having valve elements 4| and 42 operating therein. These valves are connected for simultaneous movement by a rod 4 3,and arerconnected to the piston 44 of :a fluid motor by asecond rod46.' Fluid motor 4 5 "comprises a cylinder 41 in which thepiston operates One endof cylinder 4lfisconnected to a shuttle valve 48by means'of 'a pipe :49, the

to the end of cylinder 6 through port |9 and pipe '23. Fluid also enters the end of cylinder 9 through port 26 and pipe 28.

The fluid in cylinders 1 and 8, however, is now returned to pump 30 through pipes'23 and 21, respectively, valve 22' andpipe 34. Crosshead l4, and consequently rudder l8, now swing in a clockwise direction.

Motor M is similar in construction to motor' M and also comprises a pair of substantially shuttle valve48 in turmbeing connected to pipes 33 and 31 by pipes 58,,and 5| respectively. ,The

pipe 33 or-3'|',"fluid enters the cylinder 41 through pipe 49, thereby 'actuatingthe valve elements 4| 7 and-42 to the position shown in Figs: 1 and ,7.

I n,the event fluidunder pressure is discharged 7 7 th ough pipe 33, pipe. 31 isconnected to suction,

as'is well known in pumps of, the character herein .shown. Under these conditions fluid from pipe 33 enters port 3|. of valve22, and then passes.

tothe endof cylinder ,1 through pipe 24 and to cy1inder;8 through pipe 21, causing the crosshead M to movein a counterclockwise direction.

The fluid in cylinders 6 and 9 now enter's valve 12i through pipes 23-and 28 respectively, and returns to pump 29 through pipe 31. In the event that fluid is delivered to pipe 31 fluid enters the ends of cylinders 8 and 9 through pipes 23 and v 28 respectively, while the fluid in cylinders I and 8 is returned to valve 22 through pipes 24 and 21,

from which it flows 'to pump 29 through pipe 33. When valves 2| and 22 are in the position shown in Figs. 1 and'l, it will be'noted that valve elements 4| and 42 close ports 36 and 32 respectively, thereby preventing the flow of fluid to or from pump 30 during operation of pump 7 29. It will also be observed that when pump 30 is placed on stroke so as to deliver fluid pressure to pipes 34 or 38, this fluid pressure is communicated to shuttle valve 52' through pipe 54 or 55, as the case may be. From shuttle valve 52 fluid is delivered to the opposite end of motor 45, causing the piston operating therein to parallel rams 4 and 5. Ram 4 operates in a pair of spaced, aiiially disposed cylinders 8 and I, while. ram 5"'operates in a pair of similarly I disposed cylinders '8" and 9. Ramsc4 and 5'. Shave also disposed intermediate the ends thereof flat surfaces l8 and H. Extendi'n'g'upwardly .from flat surface] 8 is a projection 12 whichop- "erates inv an extended slot I3 provided near one end of a crosshead |'4", secured intermediate the ends thereof to the rudder post l5, Flat surface, II also has projecting upwardly therefrom a projection I6 which operates in the extended 'slot provided near'theotherend of crosshead |4;' ,A rudder i8" is secured to post I5 in any suitable manner.

Port unit '3 is alsoprovided with pair of changeover valves 2| and22 (Figs.'1fand;6)i

'for distributing'the fluidfrom pumping units PI.

'or P2 to the proper cylinders of motor M The outer ends of-cylinders 6' and l are,;con-

nected' to ports liland 20 of changeovervalves 2| and 22" respectively by pipes (23 and 24. The outer ends of cylinders,8,and 9 are respectively connected to the ports 25 and 26"01' valves '22, and 2|, by pipes 21' and 28.

The pumps 29" and 30" of pump units PI and P2 are respectively connected to the ports Pumps 29' and'38 are also connected to the ports 35 and 36 of valve 2| by pipes 31 and 38?.

V I Valves 2| and 22 also comprise cylindrical casings 39 and 40 having, respectively,operatactuate valve elernents 4| andJ42to'theopposite When this occurs or from pump.29.. However, ports 36-and 32 of valves 2| v and-22 respectively, are uncovered, 5 thereby connecting the cylinders of motor M 5 V to purnp 3ll.

mg therein valve elements 4| and 42 interconnected for simultaneous operation by a rod 43'.

Valve elements 4| and 42 are also actuated to different positions of adjustment by a fluid motor 45 comprising a cylinder 41 in which operates a piston 44. Piston 44' is connected to va-lve'element ll by a rod 48. When valve ele- "ments 4| and 42' are in the position shown in Figs. 1 and 6, ports 38 and 32"are closed, thereby preventing fluid from flowing to or from motor 38. -Pump 29. however, is connected for operation. In the event that fluid from pump 29! is delivered to pipe3l, pipe '33 is connected to suction. Under these conditions fluid enters 'In the event that. pump 301is so adjusted as 7 to' deliver. fluid 'pressureto pipe 34, pipe .38{is connected .to suction. {Underthese conditions the fluid entering port 32"ofvalve 22 now flows port 35 of valve 2|, and is conducted to cylinders 6 and 9' by pipes 23 and 28 respectively.

The fluid in cylinders '|-ancl 8, however, enters valve 22 through pipes 24' and. 21 respectively, and is then returned to pump 29 through pipe 33. .,When pipe 33 is connected to pressure and pipe 21 to suction, fluid enters valve 22 through pipe 33 and is then conducted to the ends of- 2,282,194 I o 3 by fluid pressure supplied by a small pump I8 cylinders I and 8' by pipes 24' and 21 respectively. The fluid in;oylinders 6'..and.9' is now conducted to valves II by pipesl23, and 28' from which it returns to pump 29 through pipe 31'. The outer;end of. motor is connected to'a shuttle valve 48 by a pipe 49". Shuttle valve 48' in turn is connected to pipes 33' and 31' by pipes and 5I' respectively. The otherend of fluid motor 45' isconnected to a second shuttle valve 52' by a pipe 53. Shuttle valve 52'.in

turn is connectedto pipes 34jand 38" bypipes 54, and respectively. 'Ihus, whenpump 29' is in operation and is adjusted to on-stroke position so as to deliver fluid pressure to either pipe 33' M81, the piston 44' of motor 45' actuates the valve elements 4I and 42' to the position shown in Fig. 1, thereby permitting pump 29' to actuate motor M as just described, the valve heads H and 42 as pointed out before, being so disposed as to prevent fluid from flowing to or from pump 30'. However, when pump f is connected for operation so as to deliver fluid pressure to either of pipes 34' or 38'rpiston 44 actuates valve elements 4| and 42 to their opposite positions of adjustment, therebyv closing mounted at. one end of the casing of motor 51 anddriven by the armature shaft of'the latter, orby anyother suitable means. Fluid from "supply tank. 59 isdrawn into pllmpl8 uthroiigh ?a pipe 19' and discharged jtherefrom through a second pipe 80.. Pipe BUis'cOnnected to a port 8| provided in the cylinder 69' of motor 58, and has pr'ovided therein a relief valve'82 which in turn is connectedto supply tank 59 by a pipe 83. Piston, I0 and" valve II are providedwith ports through whiclr-fluld is c'onductedftoeither end of the cylinder 10' depending uponthe direction of jmovement of valve 'I I. When the valve TI is in it's'jcentral position ofadjustment both ends of the cylinder are disconnected from pump 18.

- of movement ofwthe valve until the ports are ports 35' and SI, and thus Dreventingthe flow n of fluid ,to or from pump 29. Under. these conditions ports 3Ii and. 32' of valves M and 22 respectively, are uncoveredthereby permitting operation of motor M by pump 30.

Pumps 29, 30, 29! and 80 are of the reversible I 30' may be driven by electric motors 51, 58.51

and .58 respectively, orby any otherisuitable powermeans. The mechanisms. for c ontrolling the stroke anddirection of discharge of pumps 29,

.30, 2 9 and30 are identicalin.structure and operation. therefore a description of one will suflice for all For conveniencela detailed description of the control mechanism for.pump 29 will now be given.

Referringmore particularly to'Figsl and 2, it will be observed'that pump 29 and motor 51 are mounted upon a supply or makeup tank 59 from which fluid may be drawn into the system. Pump 30 and motor 58 are also .mounted upon a similar supply or makeup,tank,80. Pump29 is provided with. the :usual sliding blocks shown at 5| in Fig.2; for controlling the stroke and direction of discharge thereof. rods 52, 62 are secured at one end thereof vto sliding blocks BI, and extend through and 'are guided in suitable apertures provided in the side wall 54 of the pump casing 65.. The outer ends of guide rods 62, 52 are securedto a crosshead 56 which in turn is secured to the free end of the piston rod 61 of a fluid motor 58. Fluid motor 58 may be of the general type shown and described in my Patent No. 1,986,640, and since the specific. structure thereof forms no part of the' present invention, a detailed description thereof is deemed unnecessary herein.

The fluid motor 58 comprises generallya cylinder 69 having a pistonv 10 operating therein and to which the other end of rod 81 is secured. A

valve II slidably mounted in the central bore I2 of piston I0 controls the operation of the latter. Valve II extends through a fluid sealed bearing I3 provided in the end wall I4 of cylinder 59, and

A pair of guide relief valve 82 andpipe'83.

end ofa caml follower 93. v I actuated to. difierent positions of adjustmentfby main and return cams 94 and 95' respectively,

again coveredtherebyat which time piston 10 comestol rest. The sliding blocks BIof pump 39 being'operatively connectedto piston'10 are correspondingly adjusted and retained in adjusted position, causing the pump to deliver fluid to pipe33 or 31, as the case maybe. Upon adjustment of pistonlfl in this manner the pressure of the fluid delivered by pump I8 builds up, and when't'his pressure exceeds a'predetermine'd value [the fluid "discharges. to supply tank 59 through Bell-crank lever 11 is pivoted at84 and' its arm 85ha's provided near 'the'free end thereof a" slot 86 through which extends a pin 81 extending upwardly from one end of a lever 88. Lever 88 is pivoted intermediate the ends thereof upon ajpair of springs 89 andj90 mounted in a box 9I.

Springs 89 'and90 providefla yieldable fulcrum for lever 88., "The other end of lever 88 is pivotal- 19 attached tothe outer end 'oiarod92f the inner end of which being, rigidly secured to one Cam follower 93,; is

which in turn are secured in any suitable manner to a supporting member 96 (Fig. 3). The 'lower end of member' has secured thereto a 'stud 91upon which'is rota'tably'mounted a bevel I gear '98, which, as shown more particularly in Fig. 3, meshes with a pair of spaced bevel gears 99 and I00." 'Bevel gears 99and'I'00 have integral' therewith, hubs IM and I02 respectively, which'e'xtend through enlarged openings I 03" and I04 provided in the side walls I05and I06 of cam follower 93. I

Hubs I M and I02 are supported intermediate the endsthereofin bearings I01 and I08 respectively. A worm wheel I09 is secured to theouter end of hub IOI, while a second worm wheel I I0 is secured to the outer end of hub I02: Member 96 is supported by apair of studs III and I I2 extending laterally therefrom andwhich are rotatably mounted in circular recesses provided in the' inner surfaces of bevel gears 99 and I00 re- 'spective'ly. I i i From the foregoing description it will be observed that upon rotation of bevel gear I00. beve1 gear '98 is correspondingly actuated and that if bevel gear 99 is held against'rotationpgear 98 will simply roll thereon and thus impart/a rotary .movement to member 96 and consequently; to

is properlyfacit'uated, bevel gear 98 will-be actumotor M ated-in the reverse direction thereby rolling on [gear I00, and thus actuating memberst and the -7 cams ,841 and95 securedrthereto in the reverse 7 V i dire'ction'. The control'mechanism for pump'29 itth usl fardescribed is generally similar tofthat 1- shown and described in Patent N,o. 2,l11,594,- and f to which reference may belhadfor' amore com- ,ple'te description of the structure thereof. Worm 'wlieel I I8 meshes with a wormgear-I I3 secured "inanysuitable manner to a shaft II4 j which in tu'rn'ma'yv be actuatedby a synchronous 1 "receiver ,I I5, a hand wheel H6, or by a jackshaft 1 I'I1 operatively connectedto motor 'M as will i appear more fully hereinafter. Worm wheel-I09 a "onl'the other hand, meshes with a; worm' gear H8 secured to one end of a'followup shaftj'IIS op'erativ'ely connected to motor jM As shown more particularly. in Figs. 1 m 4,

v 3 one end of followup shaft I I9 is mounted in-sultable bearings I andjI2I extending laterally j from 'cyli'nders, 6 and 1 respectively, of fluid Secured to shaft I I9'fand disposed intermediate the portion-thereof extendinghetween bearingslIZO and I2 Ifisa spiral gear 'I22, which meshes with a spiral rack..l23 secured'in any suitable'mannerjtoram 4.' Owing'to the 1 Motor'M hasfalso operatively'connected th ere'- with a' second f foll'owup'shaft I24. One end of V. shaft I24'has securedythereto'aaworm gear I25 V I "which meshes with a Worm Wheel I26 attached" ,ftoone side of differential 'g'earing-jI2'Ifor actuating the cam follower, I28 associatedwiththe'con trol mechanism' for pump). The other end of 1shart,|25;i s1 sultably' journaled .in bearings I28 1 and I 38 fje'xtending laterally from cylinders ,8 and i' 8 respectively; of fluidrnotor'Mi. "The portion of 1 length of] shaftfl I9, other bearings (notsho'wn) 1 may also bepr'ovidedsto prevent fiexurethereo f."

It therefore is seen thatupon m'ov'ernent of ram 4 a rotary'fmovement will beimparted' to shaft] j I I 9. Worm gear I I8j'now actuates wormwheel-i 1- 109, and "consequently hevel gearmhich "in 3 turn causes {a .corresponding adjustment vof. cam i ioucwer'sa. P

:shaft I24 extending between bearings I22 and I38 has also: secured thereto a spiral gear' I3I {which 'meshes with a'spiralfrack I3 2 secured in any suitable manner to ram 5..

Motor MP hasalso operatively connectedthereo a pair or similar followup shaf ts' I 19' and I241. Followup shaftl I9. has s'ecuredat'on'e end thereof a;worrn gea II8 which meshes with the worm the'differential gear associated with the control mechanism for pump 29f. shaftJ IB has also secured thereto intermediate r actuating lthe bevel gear 99 of :6 The other end of its bearings 120' and m a spiral gear'1 22',"

:whichmeshes with aspiral rack I23 secured'in any suitable manner to ram 4f Followup shaft I24, on theother hand, has fsecured'fatone end; thereof a worm gear ,I25f'whichme'shes withthe 1 worm wheel 126' secured 'to;,one.side of the dif-' f ferential gearing I21, associated with the control mechanismier pump 307; "The"other-gend fbf shaft I24',has also secu redfthereto at apoint. '1

intermediate its bearings] 29?" and- 130', a spiral l I 159,115.! encircle rods I56 I56, and extend be- 1 1 I tweenflan'ge I51 and theinner'face of crosshead 5 I581."- The piston rod I6Ilfor piston I53 is secured to a cross head ;I6I tothe iouterlends of which I33." ;;'-Shaft?I24 is operatively connected to a sec- 10nd jack shaft" M1" by a chain. and sprocket 1 mechanism indicated generally Lat I 34;- Thus,

f cessive upon operation of motor-M rotary movement is imparted to followupshaft H9 'and124', and

jack shaft- I I1. It is also seen that uponopera- I38 rotatably. mounted on shaft II4 (Figs. 1 and 5). Clutch element I38 is held against axial movement by a' pair 'of collars I39 "and I40 secured in any suitable" manner to shaft II4.

Shaft II4 terminates at the right hand end "thereof '(Fig'i'5) in a circular recess I4I provided 'in a second clutch element I42 secured in any suitable manner to'a second shaft143; Keyed to shaft H4 and disposed between clutch e1emerits-I38 and I42 is a third clutch element I44.

Fig. 5 s'hows theelements in normal position which positionclutch element I44 is out of-engageinent with elements I38 'and'iI42. Clutchj element I44 provided with a circular groove I disposed intermediate the ends" thereof --ro'r receiving al'pair of'diametrically'opposed studs I46,,I.46 extending inwardly from thebif-urcated endof a shi'fting'leversIll pivoted intermediate .its endsat I48. Thus,hyswinging'leverI41'in onedirectionthe jaws of elements I38 and I44- fengagef'andjaccordingly. upon rotatioir of 'sprocket wheel I3I,s'haft II'4-isalsoc'aused to rotate. 1U p swinging lever. I 41 in the opposite direction the jawsof*elements *I 42"and I 44 'become engaged and consequently- 'shaft' l I4 is connected to shaft I4 3, ,and uponactuation'of hand wheel IIG'or receiver name said shafts arccor- 'respondingly operated. 'However, when lever I41 7 'is'swung into the intermediate position, as shown l in .Figs. 1; 2 and 5, shafts II4Qan'd I43ar'e dis-j connectedi Sprocketwheel I13T is also'disconnected soasto actuate element I38 about'its N journal on shaft I14; Synchronous receiver II5,

may be had for acompletedescriptio'n thereof.

Suflice it to say that limit stop I43 is provided 7 ior'the purpose of preventing'overtravel of re f'ceiverII5, or hand Whee I'II G, when clutch elements' I42 and I44 are engaged;

, The-control mechanismfor pumpj29 also includes means for preventing overloading'of vthe electric IZnotor 51 and associated parts due to ex res sures in the system. Thismechanism includes a fluidimotor device I43 comprisinga pair of Cylinders I and I5I having pistons I52 and I53 operating respectively, therein. The

piston rod I 54 secured to piston I52 extends through a properly" sealed; opening inone I end of cylinder I50; The other end'of piston. rod I54 is secured to 'a-cro'sshead I55;to the opposite ends of which are secured apair of guide rods 1 I56, 155. R0ds 155, 156, extend through apertures 'proaided in the annular flange I51 of cylinis movement by 'a chain der I50 and the opposite'ends thereof arejsecured' to a secondcrosshead I58. Apair ofjcoil springs azeaieg are alsosecured a pairof, guide rods I62, I62. These-guide rods extend through apertures proand? arefsecured'at their. outer. ends to a second crossheadjl fl. 'A'pai'r of coil springs I65. I65 extend between annular flange I53 and the inner/surface. of crosshead' IIM. Theouter ends of cylinders I50, and I] are connected to .a pipev 15,8 bianchpipes'zlfil and IBS; Pipe I96 is connected to a. shuttle valve I69 which in turn is connected to pipes 33 and 311 by pipesv I and III, respectively. Lever T5 is pivoted at I12 and theirlghtf hand end thereof (Figs. 1 and 2) lies midway-between the endsv of pistonrods I54 and I60. .By this construction itis seen that in the event the lfluid delivered to pipe 33 or 3;I',.l.eadingv from pump 29, exceeds the tension of the springs associated with motor I49, pistons I5I .and I53 will move toward each other the'reby engaging lever and-actuating the same to .a central position; This actuation of lever I5. causes a corresponding adjustment of valve 1 I, which conditions :motor 69 to actuate the stroke controls .6 .I of pump 29' toward neutral position, thereby reducingthe outputof the said pump 29.-

.The control mechanism :for pump 30 also consists of a fluid motor III similar to motor 69,

the valve. of which beingoperatively connected;v

to cam follower;I 2 8, by levers I18 and I119. A pair of. fluid motors indicated at I80 and operable upon a lever I8I is providedto condition. motor I11 to adjust the strokecontrols of pump to neutral position in the event excessive pressures are developedin the system. Motor I90 is connected to a pipe I 82 by branch pipes I82, and I94, the .pipe I82 :being connected -:to .a shuttle valve I85, which in turnis connected to pipes 34 and 39. respectively, bypipes- I86 and The side of. differential gearing I21 opposite worm. wheel -I2jis provided withQa; worm wheel I08- which. meshes with av worm gear I99secured to .a shaft I90. Shaft I90, like shaft. IIJ4', asso-- ciated with the control mechanism for pump 29, is adapted to be operated by asynchronous receiver I19I, a hand wheel; I92, or by jack shaft 1. .Jack shaft III has securedto the outer end thereof a sprocket wheel I93, which is-connected-toasprocket wheel I194, secured toclutch element I195, loosely mounted on shaft I90. A

second clutch element I96 is secured to the shaft I'9-I, to which hand wheel I92is also secured;

A .slidabl'e clutch element 19a, similar to clutch" element I4'4-,.is.disp osed between clutch elements I95 and I96, and is adapted to be shifted into engagement with either of said last mentioned elements bya handlever I99.

The control mechanism associated with pump 29 also comprises a motor 69' for actuating the clutch'elcment I42 is secured to the shaft I43 to which hand wheel IIB is'also secured. A

I35; which is connected to a sprocket The bevel gear .I00 is i mg, 231', 232 and 233m handwheels.any- .235 and 235 respectively. which maybe-positioned at different points'on the ship.. -A -contact-arm- 231 is. provided on selector switch 2,20 to enable.

shiftaple {clutch element-.144, similar to the clutch element I44, lsfkeyedQto shaft H4 and is adapted to, bemov'ed into engagement with clutch element I38 or-'1 I42, by means'of. a lever I141.

The control mechanism for pump 29 has also -.associated therewith ar'notor unit I49 'foractu ating the control mechanism foriluid. motor 69 to effect an adjustment of the pump controls toward neutral position when,the pressure develc-ped thereby exceeds-,a-predetermined value. Motor I49..isconnected,to a pipe I66, bya pair of branch pipes lB-I" and "I6 8". Pipe I65 is con nected to a shuttle valve IIiSQwhich inturn lis connected to pipes .33" and 31 'bypipes llll and nix. v4 I Theside of the diiferentiaLgearing I21 associated with. pump 30,disposed opposite worm" Wheel' I26,"is also actuated-by a. worm wheel I88, which. in turn. meshes with a worm gear I89, secured to a shaft I90, Shaft I90, like shaft-mo, is adapted to be operated by a synchronousreveiverI;9 I a hand wheel .I'92,. or by lack Ishaft Ill, Secured to theouter end f' jack, shaft III ,isa sprocket wheel. I93", which is connected to thesprocketwheel"I944 by a chain 1 connection. Sprocket "wheel," I94f is 'se L curedto a clutch element vI95 rotatablymount ed on shaft I90.. A second clutch element I96" .is secured mine opposite end of the shaft. l ar to which. the hand wheel I92" is secured.. shiftable clutch elementIfiB is keyedj. to s'haftf I90. and is adapted to beshiftedinto engage-v ment with either of elementsYl95 or I95 -by...

means of ajhand lever I99.

The control mechanism for pump30' hasalso. associated therewith a fluid .motor unit I for. actuating. the controls..for fluid motor III effect an adjustment thereby of the strokecontrols of pump 30 toward neutral-position when 'the pressure developedthereby exceedsa predetermined value. Motor unit I-BU'MiscQnnected to a pipe I82 by branch pipes I83 and" I84, the said pipe I82 being. connected to .a shuttlevalve 38 by. pipes I and I 8 .'I; respectively I85, which in turn is connectedto pipes 34" and.

Synchronousreceivers I.9I and-.II5 ar:e connected to the poles 200 and MI of a unit selector switch .2021by conductors 203 and204 respec-v tively. Synchronous receivers v II5. andI9I'.,are

likewise connected to the poles 205. and 206. ot switch 202 by conductors .20 I .and 209-respectively.v Switch 202 is connected to the central contacts209 of a. switch 2I0 bya seriesrof con The .port side contacts 2.I2' of. switch 2| 0 are connected to the .p'ortside .con-. tact's 2 I3 ofa third switch 2I4 byconductors 2I5,'-

(meters 2 I I The. starboard contacts ,2I6 of switch 2I0. are

connected to the starboard contacts .,2I.I ;of switch '2. by conductors '2I8. The central con-v tacts 2I9 of switch 2 areco nnected to. a-sta-j;

tion ,selectorswitch 220 by a series of. conductors;

22 I The (poles 222,223 and 224 0t station s.elector. switch 220. are connected to synchronous; transmitters 225, 226 and 221 respectively,. by

condu'tors 228, 229 I and .230. Selsyn transmitters '225, .229and 22'! are connected by-gearselection of any one of the steering stations for operation. Switch 202 is also provided with acontact arm 238 for selecting any one of. the

synchronous receivers l9I, l.I5, II I5; or .I9I for 1 operation. Switch'2l0 has connected to the central contacts 209 thereot a double-throw switch element' 239 which isadapted to connect the said contacts 209- with contacts 212 or -2l6. The

central contacts 2l9 of switch 2l4 have also connected thereto a doubler-throw switch" e1e I i ment240adapted1to connect the said contacts 2l'9 with contacts 213 or llll.

Electric current'is supplied to the system just described by bus bars 243 andt242uleading from any suitable'source of supply. These bus bars i are connected to two of the contact elements .209 ofjswitch 210, as'shown inFiig. 2. A "switch 243 is provided to connect or interrupt the cir 'Lcuit, as desired.

I From the foregoing description it isth'o'ug'ht" i that the structure and operation of my improved s j 2328mm;

I of valve fH, "and consequentlycausi-n isteering' mechanism is apparent. 'Howe'verpin 1 order to correlate the various elements thereof 1 a brief resume of the operation o'f the apparatus as a whole will nowbe given.j

Let us assume-thatit is desired to effectsteer flector switch 202 is now moved in engagement I with pole 2! thereof." Switch 243 is also closed; thereby completing the circuit tothe electric control system. It is'understood that when unit 7 Pl is in operation pumping unit P2 1is idle; and

;vice versa when pumping unitQPZ is in opera-j men pumping unit PI is idle. The same'is true 0f pumping units Pl and P2 when one of said;

iunits is in operation the other is idle. v H Let us assume that it is desired to have pumpt ting unit- 29' operate motor MP in unison with theoperation of motor M by 'pump 29 Lever 1141. is now swung in a clockwisedirection (Figs,

I38 and l44"are brought'into engag' ement.- Le- ;ver' I4! is also swung in a clockwise direction to iconnect clutchelements'ifl and l44,' thereby gconn'ecting 'llmitstop 1,438 for operation, .Now 1 upon operation offhand wheel 234 current f is generated in synchronous transmitter 225, which,- through switch 220, conductors 22l, switch 214,-

conductors 2| 8, switch 2H1, selector switch 202',

and conductors 204 is conducted to synchronous receiver H5, causing the latterto rotate sh'ait i "The worm gear H3 secured to shaft H4 now rotates worm wheel H0; and consequentlybevel gear 100. Inasmuch as the rams4 and5'pfrhotor M at this time are stationary, bevel gear, 399 provided at thefopposite -side of the difieren-I tial gear transmission isfheld stationarya -Thus' upon actuation of bevel gear"llllrasjjust d escribed, a rotary movement is imparted to bevel gear 98, whichsimply rolls upon bevel gear" 99'} thereby swinging supporting member 96, and

- consequently earns 94 and 95, which in turn'im- I part translational movementto the-cam follower 93. This movement of cam follower 9 3 ti1t levers 88 and"; therebycausing an adjustment of the valve'll offluid motor 69. When this'occur's fluid from pump 18 passes through-ports provided in motor 69,-and thereby effects an adjustment; 751

of the piston HI thereof in the direction'of move iing by manipulation of hand-wheel 234'and to iconnect the synchronous receiver H5 associated 1 with a control mechanism for pump for opera-, .v v itlon. Contact arm 231 0: station selector-switch 1 220 isflrst moved intocontact with pole :222', fas shown in Fig.2. Switch 'elementfl24fl of, switch 2l4 isnow moved into engagement with contact elements' 2H, while the'switch element "2350f: iswitch 2l0-is'moved into engagement withcongitact elements 2I6 Contact arm 238'of unit sehas -lpro'videdthereon worm .1 gear meshes'wit'h' worm wheel 109, andconse'quehtly' the rotary movement imparted --to 'tliis shaft causes actuation 'ofbevel gear 99.

21-Inasmuch as bevel gear I00 has now come to ?v rest and is held in position through its connec'- corresponding adjustment of the sliding bio of pump 29. Movement of pi'st on 1i! cohtine's tin-til the'p'orts uncoveredby valve H are closdf; at which time piston lfl comes to -"rest" and the justed as to deliver fluidfpressure'to pipe33" and suction to pipe 31. I Fluid-pressure from pipei 33' now enters the outer-end offiu'idf motoi' '45 through pipe- 50, shuttleva1ve"'48, and pipe-$9; thereby causing the parts'to assuine' the'po'sition shownj inFig. 1. Fluid from pipe-33-nowenters valve '22 and flows to-theouterendof cylinder] lz' ofmotor M through pipe 24 an'cl to the'outer end of" cylinder 8' throughpipeil Crosshead l4 of motor M as well as the rudder I8,-jis now 'moved ih a counter-clockwise direction"? Fluid fromj'cyl inders '6 and 9 is now returnedto vfalve 21;-

through pipes 23 and 28 fromwhich itilows back to pump 29 through "pipe -3"|'. [Upon operatlonot fluid motor M as just described a rotary 'move ment is imparted to rouow up shafts! l9 and my Theifollow up shaft 1 [9, it will be remembered;

tion, bevel gear 98 is caused to rotate i'n'the reverse direction and rolls on bevel gearlflll; there I by returning supporting member 96'and cams 94 1 which it was'operated'by synchronous receiver 1' The ports of motor 69 are now uncovered 4'0 reverse direction causing actuation of the" sliding piston 10 assumes this position the inlet ports-are again covered, and consequently the said piston a Tflcomestorest. r 6 Upon actuation of fiuid motor' M as 'just d'e and to normal 'position..' This movement of cams" 94 and 95 1s imparted to cam follower :93

which, throughlevers 88 and TI; adjust valve elementl I of motor 69 in the' 'reverse' direction from H5. and-fluid from pump 18 actuates'pi'ston' lo in the blocks SI of pump 29 to neutral 'position. When I scribedpthe' rotary motion imparted thereby 'to 'j fOHOWUDiShaft I24 is' transmitted by meansof- 1 the chain andsprocket connection I34, to jack shaft 1 I1 The-rotary motiori"='thus impartedto f jack shaft I IT is now impartedto shaft l'l4'-0f thecontrolmechanismassociated with pump 29' I through the chain and sprocket connection be tween saidshafts. Inasmuch as clutchelements I38 and I44 are engaged rotary movement is imparted to shaft H4. This movement of shaft' 1 H4 causes actuation of'the-worm gear l-l'3"-secured thereto, which in turn actuates worm wheel 1 .I I0" and consequently bevel gear IDW-of the 'dif- -ferential gearing which through the cams operated' thereby effects a translational mcv'ement'of' 1 cam follower 93'. This movementof-ca'm fol 1ower93' is imparted to the valve of fluid motor liver fluid to pipe 31', and suction to pipe 332 69'throughlevers '88 and 11'; causing adjustment of the stroke controls ofpump 29'.

- Pump 29' has now been adjusted so asto de- 1 The'fiuid'so'delivered to pipe 31' enters valve 21? from which it discharges to the outerends'of j, cylinders 6 and 9',"through pipes 23" and, 28-',,

causing crosshead l4 and consequently rudder I8- to 1 move in' a counteraclockwise direction; a j The fluid in cylinders 1' and 8"- is now conducted 1 to valve22 through pipes 24' and 21' respectively, from which'it flows-back to pump 29 through H8 1 which i' consequently of bevel gear 99'.

causes actuation of the cam follower 93-to norpipe 33'. Upon operation of fluid motor M rotary motion is imparted to followup shafts H9 and I24. By this action of followupshaft II9 the worm gear H8 secured to the outer end thereof causes actuation of worm wheel I09, and This action mal position which in turn through levers 88 and TI adjusts the valve of fluid motor 69 to normal position, which in turn conditions the latter to actuate the controls of pump 29 to neutral position. During operation of the apparatus,

should an abnormal load be imposed upon the pumps 29 and 29', such as a heavy wave striking the rudders I8 and I8, the fluid motors I49 and I49" will effect an adjustment of the stroke controls of the pump toward neutral position. Under these conditions it will be seen that the pistons I52 and I53 of fluid motor I49 move toward each other, thereby centering lever I5, which in turn adjusts valve 'II toward normal position;

Piston "I now actuates the stroke control 6| of pump 29 toward neutral. When lever I is operated in this manner bell-crank lever TI is also operated, and inasmuch as cam follower is held operate motor M during operation of motor M y,

by'pump 29, clutch element I44 is moved out of engagement with element I38, while the clutch element I98" associated with thecontrol mechanism for pump is actuated to the left so that the jaws thereof engage with the jaws of clutch element I95, thereby operatively connecting shaft I with jack shaft IITI. Now upon operation of motor M rotary motion will be imparted to shaft I90, and consequently to the worm gear I89 secured thereto through followup shaft I24, chain and sprocket connections I34, jack shaft Ill, and chain and sprocket mechanism I93 and I94. When clutch elements I95 and I98 are so engaged the operation of the parts is identical to those previously described in connection with the control mechanism for pump 29'.

If it is desired to operate pump 30 from any of the steering stations 234, 235 or 236, contact arm 238' of switch 202 is moved into engagement with pole 200, thereby connecting the synchronous receiver I9I associated with the control mechanism for pump 30 for operation. Now upon adjust ment of the controls of pump 30 to on-stroke position, as described in connection with the discussion of pump 29, fluid pressure may be delivered to pipe 34 or 38, as the case may be.

If, on the other hand, it is desired to employ pump 30 for actuating motor M clutch elements I 38 and I44 are disengaged, and clutch elements I95 and I98, associated with the control mechanism for pump'30 are engaged.

If it is desired to connect, 'for example, synchronous receiver NS for operation with any of the steering stations, the contact arm 238 of switch 202 is movedinto engagement with pole 205, and switch elements 239 and 240 of switches 2 I0 and 2I4, respectively, are moved into engagement with'co'ntact elements 2I2 and 2I3. Now, upon operation of hand wheel 234, for example,

rotary motion is imparted to synchronous re-' ceiver 'I I5 which, through the connection previously described, causes adjustment of the valve associated with motor 69', which in turn causes proper adjustment of the stroke controls of' the control mechanism for pump 29, the pump.

controlsare returned to neutral position. On-the other hand, the rotary motion imparted to followup shaft I24 is transmitted to jack shaft ,I I I,

by the chain and sprocket connection I33. asmuch as clutch elements I38 and I44, are now engaged, the rotary movement so imparted to pack shaft II! is impartedto shaftv I I4, therebyv causing actuation of worm gear II3, which in turn actuates worm wheel H0, and bevel gear I00. B this action, as previously described, the valve ll of fluid motor 69 is properly adjusted. which in turn conditions the piston I0 for operation, which in turn adjusts the stroke control 6| ofpump 29 to on-stroke position. Pump 29 now delivers fluid pressure to motorM Upon operation of motorM rotaryymotionds imparted to followup shaft H9, which istransmitted to bevel gear 99 through worm gear H8 and worm wheel I09, thereby causing-cam'fole lower 93 to actuate the valve II of motorf69 to neutral position, and thereby effect adjusting of the stroke controls BI of pump 29 to neutral position, as previously described. I

In the event that it is desiredto condition pump 30 for operation during operation of pump 29, clutch elements I95 and I98 of the control mechanismfor pump 30 are moved into engagement. The followup shaft I24 will now transmit motion to shaft I90 which, in turn adjuststhc valve associated with fluid motor I" whereby the later in turn adjusts the stroke controls of pump 30 to on-stroke position. Pump 30 now effects a corresponding movement of motor M? as proviously described.

Upon operation of motor M the operation of the followup shaft I 24 associated therewith by virtue of the worm fgea r I25 secured thereto causes actuation of the differential gearing I2"! 'in' the reverse direction, to return cam follower I28 to its previous position of adjustment. This movement ofcam follower'I28 is transmitted to the valve of fluid motor Illywhich again conditions the latter for operation so as to return the stroke controls of pump 30 to neutral position.

If it is desired to operate the controls of pump 30 from any one. of the steering stations :previously described, contact arm 238 of switch 202 is moved into engagement with pole 286. Now

upon operation of hand wheel 234, for example, adjustment of the stroke controls of pump 30 is secondmen'tione'd pumping, units.

'anism operated by said second. motor, meansaop ggera-ted .cb y said;flrst.:mentioned followup: mecha- "1:nisrrrjforr-controlling"theoperation ofsaid second 1gpump,nz-tandimeans operated .by said second gfol- .lowupmechanism for:controlling the operationof said .first mentionedpump.

.'4.;In; a ;device of. the. class "described, the combination: of 3 a: fluid motor a plurality of .indeipende'ntlyjoperable;pumping units adapted to operate a said .fluid motor, followup mechanism generated by said fluid motor, a second: fluid motor, aqplurality. of; independently. operable pumphing:Junits ;.adapted :to operate said second fluid 1motor,..av.second followup mechanism actuated .by ;said; secondafluid;.motor,;means.,actuated :byxsaid tflrstimentioned followup mechanism for :control- ...ling:. the operation-1 in "any: of said second amen- 'tioned rpum'ping .imits, and means actuatedmby :saidf-secbnd' mentioned followup mechanism: for

. controlling the-operation I of any] of said. first -mentioned ,pumping :.units.

. 5. ".In;a' deviceofJtheclassv described, ..the.-combinationtof 1a; fluidmotor, a pairof pumpingunits adaptedi;to.;actuate -said fluid. motor; independent .torfor controlling "the operation of either of .said

16.1.Inxa .device of the. class described, the com- .bination of azfluid; motor, a pump, for actuating .said,: motor, control mechanism for said pump :for ccontrolling the stroke and direction of dis- ..char'gethereofifollowup means between said mo- :tor :and said control mechanism for. actuating ,said puzirptozneutral position, a" second fluid ::motor,.- a; pump-:for controlling the operation-of l-saidisecond motor, control mechanism :for said pumptfor controlling thestroke and direction/of .izdischarge :thereof, followupmeans. between said second 'ymotor ..:and said second control mecha- :nism .forreturningthe controls of said-second :pumpztoxeutralposition,=and means for opera- :tively I connecting said .;first mentioned p followup ameansto: said secondimentioned control mechanismzwherebyuponoperation of said firstum-en- .tionedmotorsaid second mentioned pump is'actuated .to ton-stroke position, thereby effecting operation of saidasecond mentioned motor.

.7. ;In. a device of the class described, thecomsaid motor,control mechanism for said pump'for controlling the stroke-and direction of discharge there'of, followup .means'betweensaid motor and saldcontrol mechanism for actuating said pump tozneutralposition, ,a-second'fiuid motor, a pump forcontrollingthe .operationof said second motor,

; controlimechanism 'forsaid ,pump for controlling the-stroke :andw'direction of discharge thereof,

followupmeans between said secondimotor and saidssecondicontrolzmechanismfor returning the controlsof said. second pumpto' neutral position,

vmeansfor .operatively' connecting said first mentioned followupmeans to said second mentioned control mechanism whereby upon operation of said first mentioned motor said 'second'mentioned pump "is actuated .to' on-stroke position, thereby effecting operation of said second mentioned motor, and means including a clutchmechanism mechanism for operation forv conditioning said second mentioned control by said first mentioned followupmeans.

' i8. ';'In a device of the classdescribed, the combi- ,nation of a fluid motor; a 'pump for actuatingsaid .motor, control mechanism for said pump for controllingv the strokexand direction of discharge thereof, followup. means betweensaid'motorand .saidcontrolmechanism for actuating said pump toneutra-lzposition, a second fluid motor, a pump" for controlling the operation of said second motor,

' wcontrol mechanismfor. said. pump for controlling the.stroke.and direction of discharge thereof, followup means; between said secondv motor and said. second. controlzmechanismfor returning the :controlspf; said pump tojfneutral position, and j means for. operatively connecting ,said first and seco'ndsmentioned 'followupmeans to said second andflrstmentioned icontrol mechanisms, where- :by. the operationofxeither. of said; motors effects a corresponding operation ofstheother. s

9.:Inxa device :ofthe class described, the com- .-.bination of a fluid. motor, a pump for actuating 's'aidzmotor, control mechanism for said pumpfor controlling; the stroke and direction 'of discharge thereof, followup 2 means between. said motor and .said 'control'mechanism for actuating said'pump .to neutral position, awsecond fluid motor, a'pump i for controllinglgtheoperation of said. second motor,

. control-mechanismjor said pump for controllingthe stroke: and direction of discharge] thereof,

followup means between said second motorand said second :control. mechanism for returning the controls of-said secondpumpto neutral position,

means for operatively connecting said? first and -"second mentionedfollowup means to said second and'first mentionedcontrol mechani'sms,' whereby the operation of either of said.inotorsi,effe'cts a corresponding operation .of the other, and .blutch :mea-ns for conditioning either of said f jcontrol mechanisms foroperation by said followupme'aris 10. In a device of the class-described,'thefcombination of a fluid motor, a pump'for'actu'ating said 'motor, stroke adjusting means] for 1 said pump, control mechanism operatively connected .to saidxstroke adjusting means for controlling the strokeLand: direction of discharge of, said .binationof afiuidmotor, a pump fol-actuating .nect. either said manual means .zing means from the .said opposite side of said pump-said control mechanism including "a differential mechanism, followup means connecting said-fluid motor to one side of said differential mechanism, asecor d fluid motor, a second pump for actuating said second fluid motor, control means for said second Dump trol'meansiof saidsecond pump, manual means adapted for connection with the opposite'fside ofsaid differential mechanism, connecting means also connecting said second followup .me'ans to saidopposite side of said differential mechanism, and'clutchmeans adapted to connect or disconorv said. connectdiiferential. mechanism. s

11. :In a device of theclass describedthe combination of a-fluid motor, a .pump'for actuating saidQmOtor, stroke adjusting means forfsaid pump, control mechanism operatively connected ton-said strokeadju'stingmeans for controlling the stroke and direction'of discharge of said pump, said control mechanism including adiiferential'mechanism, a. shaft, gearing connecting a said shaft to one. side of said differential mechamsm, power means operatively. connected to :said shaft, a second'fluid motor, a second pump .for actuating said last mentioned fluid motor,

, followup .means I connecting saidsecond fluid motor to said condisconnect either said normally inoperative means or saidmanualfmeans fromIsaidIs'hafh; and followup means connecting said jfirst mentioned fluid motor to the opposite side ofsaid} differential mechanism whereby upon operation" of said differential mechanism by. said power:

means, 'said' manualmeans' or saidf'first men-, 3 I tioned. followup means, saidmechanism is're turned to normal position by said second men-: l5

tioned followup means. I I r [12. In a device of the class described, the com bination of a fluid motor, a pump 'foriactuatingl I saidmotor, stroke adjusting means" forsaidj pump, a servo motorroperativelyfconnected" to L said stroke adjusting means for controllingthef I stroke and direction of discharge ofsaidpum'n a} i I valve for controllingtheoperationofv said vs e rvoj motor, a differential mechanism, 'nieans operativelyconnecting said yalve to said diiferentialtgs mechanism, a shaft, gearing connecting .said;

shaft'to one side of said differential mechanism,j normally inoperative power means operatively connected to said shaft, a secondfluid motor, -.a second pump foreactuating-said last 'menti onedI Jfluid'motor, control means for said pump, followup means connecting said second-fiuid motor} "to said last mentioned control means, normally inoperative meansjjconnecting. said follownpi means, to said shaft, normally inoperative manualg means for actuating' said ,shaftfclutchfmeans adapted to connect or disconnect eitherf said'normally inoperative 'means or said manual means;

i I fromsaid shaft, and followupmeans'I connecting said first mentioned fluid motorlto the opposite; 4 side" of said differential mechanism, whereby .upon, operation of said differential mechanism by, I said power means, said manual. means, nema; firs t mentioned followup means, said differential:

I echanism is returned ,to' normal position by said second mentioned followup means.

1 l3.'In a device of the class .de'scribeii theeom;

bination of a fluid 'motonapump for actuating I said'motor, stroke adjusting means forcsaid pump, a' servo motor operatively connected jto Q I said stroke adjusting means ,,-for controlling the stroke and direction of discharge of said pump; I

a valve forcontrolling the operation of saidservoi ImotorQ adifferential mechanism, means oper-i atively connecting said valve to'said differential 5 mechanism,ja shaft, gearing connecting said shaft? to oneside of said differentialmechanis'rn, nor-I mally inoperative power means operatively con-j nectedto said shaft, a second'Iflu idI motor, a;

second pumpjfor actuating saidlast mentioned fluid motor, control means for, said pump, fol-I lowup means connecting said second fluid motor to said last mentioned control means, normally inoperative means Iconnecting said followup adapted to connect or disconnect either said normally inoperative means or said manual means from said shaft, followup meansiconnectingsaid first mentioned fluid motor to th'e oppositeside of said differential mechanism, whereby upon operation of said difierential mechanism by said power means, said manual means, or said first seems predetermined value. I I II v 14. In a device of the class described, the-cornbination of a fluid motor, a plurality of lpump'i'n'g units adaptedto actuate said'fluid mo'torQyal ve means disposed between said pumping'u'nit'sand fluid motor for selecting one of said pumping units for operation, independent control", means flie a h s um u i ach rsanjc I trol means including power meansfforactuating "the same, followupmean's between said motor and', each of .said pumping units.',whereby"upon operation of said pump by said power meansfs'ai'd pumpis returned to neutral by pperation' of said followup means,'a second fluid motor, a plurality I of' pum'ping units adapted tofactuate said second fluid motor, independent ,contr'o'l jmeanerer feach of said second pumpin units, for" controlling the stroke and direction 'of discharge tnereorgeaeh of said control means comprising, powerfimeans for initially adjusting the stroke of its ir'es'pg'zctive pumping unit, followup means disposed between said secondmotor and each of 'said'second pump- 'ingjunitsjfor effecting movement of the control means therefor to neutral position after -adju'stment thereof" by said power 'mea'ns' ns'elector means for selecting any one of said power means for operation; meansoperated bythe followup means associated with said first mentioned jmotor foriactuating' the control means associatdwith any one of said'second'mentioned pumping units,

and means actuatedby the followupmeans assoone of 'said first mentioned pumping units, and

-"clutch means for rendering effective for ineffec- "tive the operation of the controlmeans associated I withjany of said'pumping units bysaidfollow'up eans,

" I15 .jA steering mechanism for ships ling, a pairj'jof' rudder operating motors, oneor more pumps for operating one of s aidmotors, one or morepumps .for operating the other offsaid motors, independent control'means for ea'ch'of said pumps for controlling the stroke and direction of discharge thereof, a synchronous receiver operatively connected to each of said control means for actuating the same to different positions of adjustment, a i selector switch for select- .ing any one of said synchronous receivers for operation, a plurality of synchronous transmitters for operating said' synchronous receivers, and a.selector. switch for selecting any one of said synchronous transmitters for operation.

a port Iunit anda starboard unit, each of said units comprising a rudderactuating fluidmotor,

and a'pump for actuating said motor, independ- I ent control means for each of saidfpump's for controlling the stroke and direction; of discharge I .H- J v 'ne ndent o eratin mean connected meansto said shaft, normally inoperative manual 5-,, th reof .1 d pe P, E e 5 I. means for actuatingsaid'shaft, 'clutch means" to, eachlof said control means for vadjusting"the latter to different positions of adjustment, followup means connecting said fluidlmotors with the controls for the associated pumps for returning 0 the same toinormal position 'u'pon operation of ,said fluid motors, and means connecting the followup means of the port unit with the pump controls of" the starboard unitwhereby upon operation of thefluid motor er the porti nit the pump 'of the starboard unit is correspon'din'gly 16. A steeringmechanism for ships comprising adjusted causing actuation of the fluid motor of the starboard unit.

17. A steering mechanism for ships comprising a port unit and a starboard unit, each of said units comprising a rudder-actuating fluid motor, and a pump for actuating said motor, independent control means for each of said pumps for controlling the stroke and direction of discharge thereof, independent operating means connected to each of said control means for adjusting the latter to different positions of adjustment, followup means connecting said fluid motors with the controls for the associated pumps for returning the same to normal-position upon operation of said fluid motors, means connecting the followup means of the port unit with the pump controls of the starboard unit whereby upon operation of the fluid motor of the port unit the pump of the starboard unit is correspondingly adjusted, causing actuation of the fluid motor of the starboard unit, and clutch means for connecting or disconnecting the control means for the pump of said starboard unit from the followup means of said port unit.

-18. A steering mechanism for ships comprising a port unit, and a starboard unit, each of said units comprising a rudder-actuating fluid motor, and a pump for actuating said motor, independent control means for each of said pumps for controlling the stroke and direction of discharge thereof, independent operating means connected to each of said control means for adjusting the latter to different positions of adjustment, followup means connecting said fluid motors with the control means for the associated pumps for returning the same to normal position upon operation of said fluid motors, means connecting the followup means of the port unit with the pump controls of the starboard unit, means connecting the followup means of the starboard unit with the pump controls of the port unit, whereby upon operation of the control means of the pumps for either the port or'starboard units by said independentoperating means, the control means of the pump associated with the other unit is adjusted by said followup means, thereby causing actuation of the asociated fluid motor.

19. A steering mechanism for ships comprising Q a port unit, and a starboard unit, each of said units comprising a rudder-actuating fluid motor, and a pump for actuating said motor, independent control means for each of said pumps for controlling the stroke and direction of discharge thereof, independent operating means connected to each of said control means for adjusting the latter to different positions of adjustment, followup means connecting said fluid motors with the control means for the associated pumps for returning the same to normal position upon operation of said fluid motors, means connecting the followup means of the port unit with the pump controls of the starboard unit, means connecting the followup means of the starboard unit with the pump controls of the port unit, whereby upon operation of the control means of the pumps for either the port or starboard units by said independent operating means, the control means of the pump associated with the other unit is adjusted by said followup means, thereby causing actuation of the associated fluid motor, and clutch means for connecting or disconnecting the control means for the pumps associated with said port and starboard units from the followup means of said starboard and port units.

20. A steering mechanism for ships comprising a pair of rudders, a pair of fluid motors, one

for operating each of said rudders, one or more pumps for operating one of said fluid motors, one. or more pumps for operating the other of said motors, independent control means for said pumps for controlling the stroke and direction of. discharge thereof, power means for actuating said control means to different positions of adjustment, followup means connecting each of said control means with its associated fluid motor whereby upon operation of said control means by said power means to effect operation of its associated fluid motor said followup means returns said control means to normal position, means connecting the followup means associated with one of said fluid motors with the control means for the pumps for the other fluid motor, means for selecting any one of said power means for operation, and means for operating the powe means so selected.

21. A steering mechanism for ships compris ing a port unit and a starboard unit, each of said units comprising a rudder, a fluid motor for actuating said rudder, and one or more pumps adapted to operate saidmotor, independent control means for each of said pumps for controlling the stroke and direction of discharge there- I of, a synchronous receiver operatively connected to each of said control means for actuating the same to different positions of adjustment, followup means connecting each of said control means with its associated fluid motor for returning said, control means to normal position after adjustment thereof by said synchronous receiver, means connecting the followup means of the port unit with the control means of the pumps for the starboard unit, means connecting the followup means of the starboard unit with the controls of the pumps for the port unit, a

selector switch for selecting any one of said synchronous receivers for operation, a plurality of steering stations, each of said stations comprising a hand wheel, a synchronous transmitter, and means connecting said hand wheel to said synchronous transmitter, a selector switch for selecting any one of said steering stations for operation, means connecting said station selector switch with the selector switch for said synchronous receivers, and clutches for connecting or disconnecting the said port and starboard followup means from the control means of the pumps for said starboard and port units, whereby upon operation of one of the synchronous receivers associated with the port unit the controls for a pump associated with the starboard units will be actuated by said followup means, and upon operation of one of the synchronous receivers associated with the starboard unit the controls for one of the pumps associated with the port unit will be actuated by said followup means.

ROBERT C. LAMOND. 

